Instead of eight tiny reindeer’s clattering hooves, rumbling motorcycles will herald Santa’s arrival, not by sleigh but on two wheels, this Sunday, Dec. 4.
Hundreds of motorcyclists drive down Battlefield Parkway in a previous Stocking Full of Love Toy Run.This will be the 24th year that Santa and an army of elves have helped brighten the Christmas for local girls and boys ages 12 months to 14 years old, by leading the annual Stocking Full of Love Toy Run from Fort Oglethorpe to Ringgold.
Last year, more than 1,400 children and families benefited from this event that is sponsored by the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office and that number is expected to be even greater this year, according to organizers.
While Santa Claus (aka Det. Mike Gard) was busy at the North Pole last week, veteran biker Dave “Dr. Dave” Clemons talked about Toy Runs past and present.
“Mike and his brother-in-law, Wendall Hall, started this with a handful of riders but it quickly grew into something big,” Clemons said.